The University of Nebraska School of Medicine Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) was founded in 2015 with support from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. The UNMC chapter is part of the greater national GHHS organization that recognizes and supports humanistic examplars in medicine. The inaugural class of medical students, residents, and faculty was elected and inducted in Spring 2015 and all joined together with the common aim of instilling a culture of respect, dignity, and compassion for patients and professionals at UNMC. Being a member of GHHS is a significant honor and GHHS status is recognized [by residency Program Directors] as comparable to selection into other medical honor societies such as Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA).

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Gold Humanism Honor Society at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is to model, support, and advocate for humanism in medicine. We will pursue our mission through fostering compassionate patient-centered care, cultivating student-resident-faculty relationships, and providing student and physician outreach opportunities for the betterment of patients’ lives. We will recognize and award students, residents, and faculty who embody humanistic principles in their profession now, with the goal of continuing to nurture and support these principles throughout their future careers.

What is Humanism in Healthcare?

Humanism in health care is characterized by a respectful and compassionate relationship between physicians, as well as all other members of the healthcare team, and their patients. It reflects attitudes and behaviors that are sensitive to the values and the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of others. The humanistic healthcare professional demonstrates the following attributes (“I.E., C.A.R.E.S.”):

Integrity: the congruence between expressed values and behavior

Excellence: clinical expertise

Compassion: the awareness and acknowledgement of the suffering of another and the desire to relieve it

Altruism: the capacity to put the needs and interests of another before your own

Respect: the regard for the autonomy and values of another person

Empathy: the ability to put oneself in another’s situation, e.g., physician as patient

Service: the sharing of one’s talent, time and resources with those in need; giving beyond what is required.

Membership:

Each Spring, medical students are asked to nominate their peers and residents for induction into the UNMC Chapter of GHHS. Students who receive the top 20% of votes are asked to send in a Curriculum Vitae and complete an essay answering the following questions:

How do you exemplify the characteristics of the GHHS (provide examples)?

If you are selected to be a member of GHHS, how will you help to promote compassionate, patient-centered care at our institution?

Based on the CV and personal essays, selection committee members make the final determination regarding membership into the GHHS UNMC Chapter. A formal induction ceremony is held in the Spring and includes the traditional pinning ceremony.